Congress

Clyburn Optimistic About Raising Debt-Ceiling and Avoiding Shutdown

When it comes to two of the biggest questions in Washington—whether there will be a government shutdown and whether Congress will allow the debt ceiling to be raised—Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn is optimistic.

When asked about these two issues on MSNBC’s Morning Joe today, Clyburn (S.C.) said he believed both would be figured out soon. He said he didn’t believe there would be a government shutdown, because Democrats are willing to meet Republican demands “more than halfway.” Clyburn said that they are looking at a Republican proposal for a two-week continuing resolution that would include $4 billion of reductions. He also said Congress should “look at some alternatives” like cutting oil and gas subsidies that companies “really don’t need.”

As for the debt ceiling, Clyburn said he believed the number would be raised since Congress shouldn’t “play games with the full faith and credit of the United States of America.”